Template:1997 NL Central standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB | Home | Road |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Astros | 84 | 78 | .519 | — | 46–35 | 38–43 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 79 | 83 | .488 | 5 | 43–38 | 36–45 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 76 | 86 | .469 | 8 | 40–41 | 36–45 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 73 | 89 | .451 | 11 | 41–40 | 32–49 |
| Chicago Cubs | 68 | 94 | .420 | 16 | 42–39 | 26–55 |